Tag: Formative assessment

Today we had an informative video conference on formative assessment with Ian Landy, principal of Edgehill Elementary in Powell River. I really appreciated Ian’s detailed explanation as to why ePortfolios provide a deeper understanding than report cards on student learning. Report cards oversimplify student learning by emphasizing letter grades and percentages. Whereas ePorfolios document the learning process in way that allows students to reflect on what they’ve accomplished. As a learner, I would much prefer a collection of evidence to look back on than a list of inaccurate grades. I mean seriously, how do you definitively measure Core Competencies such as Communication or Creative Thinking!? Furthermore, Ian clarified that teachers shouldn’t burn themselves out by assessing every little thing. In fact, students should have a say in what is and what is not documented in their ePortfolios. After this video conference, I feel relieved to know that principals such as Ian Landy are more interested in the quality of learning taking place in classrooms as opposed to the quantity of learning. Thanks for your insight and time, Ian!